Online Group Psychological Interventions: A Scoping Review
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Abstract
Online group psychological interventions have expanded rapidly worldwide, particularly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. To identify the main characteristics of this type of intervention, a scoping review was conducted. Articles published between January 1, 2010, and November 11, 2021 were analyzed across six databases: Scopus, Medline via PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS, INDEXPSI, and SciELO. A total of 54 articles were included in the analysis. The results indicated that online interventions produced significant reductions, and in some cases remission, of target symptoms (particularly depression, anxiety, and stress) along with improvements in social, communication, and life skills; coping strategies; quality of life; and emotional regulation. Regarding participants’ perceptions of the online format, most evaluated the experience positively, reporting feelings of inclusion, connection, and safety throughout the therapeutic process. These findings indicate that such interventions can be effectively implemented not only during periods of restriction, such as pandemics, but also when travel is impractical or when access to psychotherapy is limited or unavailable in certain regions, and that they should be considered in public mental health policies.
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